. >> president obama had high praise for jason collins after collins revealed he is gay. he's the first pro player to come out. the first ever basketball star talked to abc george stephanopoulos. >> jason kol yibz shattering one of the final barrier was these words. i'm a 34-year-old nba center, i'm black, and i'm gay. >> i know i'm the happiest i've ever been. a huge weight has been lifted. >> collins is the first active player in major pro team sports to come outs of the closet. he spoke with george stephanopoulos. >> what was a tipping snoint. >> tipping point was once you tell your parents and their response is positive the rest is down hill after that. >> he received an outpouring of support including a call from president obama. >> seems like a terrific young man. and i told him i couldn't be prouder of him. >> he's been a great guy. a great teammate. >> he's a good guy. i'm praying for him. and i'm looking at it. we'll support each other on and off the court. >> now, the seven foot power house says he wants to pay it forward to be a role model for gay athlete autos